-- Can someone confirm that it's 2pm at the ranger station to try and claim unused permits? Any reason to show up earlier?
There could be cancellations earlier. The 2pm time is for unclaimed spots that are declared no-shows
-- I'm driving down Wednesday and planning on using the backpacker tent sites near the trailhead Wed night. I don't think I saw these my last 2 times at the Portal. Are they easy to find? Well marked?
They are between the parking lots, the road, and the creek near the trailhead. Are you planning to arrive after dark?
-- I see on reserveusa when I checked into portal camp spots that they have spots listed as walk in only. Are these different from the backpacker spots? They look like regular spots on the map. Do you just check in with the camp host to grab on of these? What's the cost? The website was not clear.
There are about 18 family sites in the lower campground that are first come first served, and some sites do not have good parking. I assume that you are not planning to get one of those sites. That leaves the backpacker sites.
